[color=2E8B57][center][u][b]Imperial Palace, Lalrial - an interlude.[/b][/u][/center][/color]

In one of the many libraries that graced the capital, there was no doubt that the Imperium Union library of the west wing of the grand palace was the most decorated. Fattened with tomes of yore and new contemporaries, the smell of both old paper and fresh ink polluted the quiet lanes of the great multitude of rooms. It truly was a labyrinth of knowledge both lost on the shelves and open in the hands of curious patrons.

In between two towering bookcases that stretched far down a tiled lane there were numerous chairs and tables for those with a thirst for a good book. They were plain when compared the gilded fashion of the rest of the library, but comfortable and blessed with feather cushions. 

On one such chair sat Charlotte, the second daughter and third child of Lothar Amrothan. She had taken the time that morning, given her desire to visit the palace’s own places of knowledge, to adequately restrain her somewhat awry light, brown hair, while choosing clothing that while perhaps not the norm of a typical princess, a blouse and trouser combination that was, while simple, clearly made of materials and spartanly adorned with finery far beyond the financial means of anyone not of noble standing. Nevertheless, it let her be less noticeable, even if the Bannerguard that was sworn to follow her throughout the capital gave the game away sometimes. That was a concern that she did not have to consider in the Palace, at least. Free to roam the library, she had found some hefty tome relating to the history of Ignis. She had considered it a worthy read, though she was sure much of its earlier contents had long since been outright copied in a few of the less notable or reputable books she had read in her sixteen years in the world, but it was well written, something anyone could respect, with insights yet gleaned from its myriad pages.

As her eyes scanned the rust colored lettering of the archaic book, a soft whisper between the patrons sitting idly behind her at a separate desk intercepted her focus. The perpetrators were seemingly careful in their words, attempting to keep their voices between themselves as they thumbed idly through books of their own.

“Outright suspicious if you ask me.” One of the men answered a hushed statement, his voice a dull breeze and barely audible.

“It makes sense though, I mean when you really think about Jakinius, it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise.” The other offered quietly.

At first, a glimmer of annoyance swept across Charlotte’s face. The kind that anyone who has attempted to read in silence, uninterrupted, would understand. It took only a moment however for Charlotte to understand the words, though hardly unthinkable or far from topical, they seemed to be off, somehow. Falling into the practised style of reading but more accurately, eavesdropping, she listened.

	“What are the guard doing about it?” One asked.

	“I think they are on edge, but playing a wait and see. That’s what I would do.”

	“Terrible times, can’t trust anyone anymore.”

	“Well as I said, give a man an army and let him do what he wants with it; of course eventually he would get it in his mind that he can just take his father’s title, no questions asked.” one huffed quietly

	“But to march an army?”

	“I don’t know, I simply don’t know.” One of the men closed his book with a soft slap and stood up, “well I best be off.”

	“Sure enough,” the other replied, his voice breaking the hushed tone of secrecy for casual banter. “I’ll be here most of the day if you find anymore freetime.”

Charlotte frowned, wondering just what exactly the two voices had discussed. Whispers of a coup? She didn’t know Jakinius, but that seemed extreme, particularly when everything was still so uncertain. Perhaps that was the cause. Perhaps it was just the idle gossiping of the nobility. She considered taking a peek to see if the remaining member of the party would be recognisable, but it would also risk revealing that she had been close enough to overhear them. Discretion was key, no doubt her sister would say, so she erred towards caution.

She closed the tome she had now lost interest in, rising quietly but with at least an outward appearance of being casual, returning it to where she had found it. She should say something to her father, yet she considered what good it would do, perhaps it would be best to wait. Maybe she could yet find out more. She let out a small, quietened sigh. The Capital was not quite as fun as she was hoping it would be.


[hider=Things to Know]

Rumors are now spreading between city guards and idle low class and high class of a potential issue arising.

Tae likes turtles and the color “u” - Gold.
[/hider]